In this post-match interview, Ayaz "Nats" Akhmetshin reflects on his VALORANT VCT EMEA Stage 2 playoff opener. He discusses the challenges of maintaining consistency, adapting to the ever-changing Valorant meta, his role as an IGL (in-game leader) and his journey from Counter-Strike to becoming one of the most influential players in the EMEA region.

How do you feel after this first playoff game?

Ayaz "Nats" Akhmetshin: "I feel good. It’s always good to win. Of course, we lost some situations we really shouldn’t have, but that’s something we need to learn from heading into the next match against BBL. We’ll be working on those details. But yes, in the end, winning is always good, no matter how it comes.

What’s your outlook on the next match against BBL?

Nats: We’ve played them three or four times already. Only once was in groups; the others were for qualification matches, including Toronto. All of those games have been extremely close. So I expect another very intense and competitive match against them.

On Corrode we noticed that Patryk "paTiTek" Fabrowski picked Deadlock instead of Gekko. What was the reasoning behind that agent change?

Nats: We added a Sentinel to the composition. Many teams have tried Deadlock on that map, and I think it works. We’ll see how it develops, but it felt like the right addition.

As IGL, how do you keep the team focused and clear-headed in such situations?

Nats: I think it’s mostly experience. We’ve had so many series like this over the past year that we’ve learned to keep playing until the very last round. That applies to me as well: I just keep thinking about what we can do until the game is truly over. For example, in our last Ascent match, I was already thinking about adjustments mid-game. That’s just how we approach it.

Looking back, how did you first get into competitive gaming, and when did you realize it could be a career?

Nats: I’m not exactly sure. I had been playing games since I was a kid, but by the time I was 14 I already wanted to become a professional. I wasn’t sure it was possible, but I was committed. At that age I was already playing in some CS teams, and by 18 it just naturally happened. I simply worked as hard as I could and, fortunately or unfortunately, I ended up here.

Coming from Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, how did that background shape your transition into VALORANT?

Nats: It shaped a lot. The fundamentals of a 5v5 shooter remain the same: the protocols, the rules. When I switched, I noticed how players coming from different games had a different understanding of team shooters. That CS background gave me a lot of structure, and those fundamentals still apply, even though Valorant itself is a very different game.

Your rise with Gambit was huge, winning international titles very early. How did that success affect your mindset?

Nats: Honestly, I don’t know exactly how it changed me. Every time you win something whether in Counter Strike or VALORANT you learn what it really takes to become a champion. Some people say it’s luck, but behind that “luck” there is always something: hard work, teammates, dedication. The more I play on stage, the more I understand how much effort and detail is behind winning.

You’ve been one of the most consistent players in EMEA. How do you maintain such a high level season after season?

Nats: Maybe not today, I wasn’t consistent on the last two maps. But in general, consistency comes from working on every aspect of the game: understanding, mechanics, aim, movement. The more you improve those fundamentals, the more stable you become as a player.

VALORANT evolves quickly with new metas and players. How do you adapt and maintain longevity in such a fast-paced scene?

Nats: A lot of credit goes to the coaching staff. We constantly track the meta, experiment, add new things, and adjust quickly. Especially now, unlike the first years when maps and metas barely shifted the game changes fast, and you need to react. The coaches play a huge role in helping us keep up.

What differences do you see between Team Liquid and your previous teams, and what made you decide to become an IGL?

Nats: It’s hard to compare. With my past team, I only became IGL later, inheriting a structure already built by the coach and the previous leader. At Liquid, I was part of building the system from the very beginning. As for why IGL, people just asked me if I wanted to take on the role, and I said yes. I had already been helping with mid-round calls in my past teams, so it felt natural to face that challenge.

You’ve been at the top of EMEA for years. How do you see your impact on the region and younger players?

Nats: I honestly don’t know how much impact I have, but it’s nice when people tell me they started playing Cypher or Viper because of me. It’s cool to think I can influence the game, create new setups, or inspire players. From my side, I just try my best. If it works, it works, if it doesn’t, it doesn’t.

Looking back on your career so far, what are you most proud of, and what still drives you for the future?

Nats: Winning trophies will always be my main motivation. I still want to win Champions, and that’s what keeps me pushing forward."